CAUSE OF EXPLOSION OF AIR COMPRESSOR TANKS
https://sites.google.com/site/metropolitanforensics/cause-of-explosion-of-air-compressor-tanks
There have been incidents where the air holding tank of a compressor explodes. Although manufacturing defects can caused a tank to explode, the leading cause of air compressor tank rupture is corrosion of the tank from water condensate. Basically these types of incidents are caused by failure to follow the operation and maintenance procedures listed in the owner’s manual for that particular equipment.
Water is a natural byproduct of compressed air. It always forms inside the tank. The condensation that forms inside the tank must be drained regularly to help prevent the bottom of the tank from corroding. In fact all air compressor tank manufacturers require that the tanks are drained on a daily basis after each use. The manufacturers also recommend closing the drain valves if the compressor will be stored for any length of time. This will prevent moisture from entering inside the tank and corroded.
Preventing catastrophic failure of any boiler or pressure vessel has always been a concern of the National Board. Boilers in dry cleaning operations, pressurized steam cleaners in jewelry shops, air compressors used by painters, pressurized air systems used with power hydraulic lifts in auto repair shops, even instrument sterilizers in dentists’ offices – all are capable of causing injury due to explosion. On one hand, they rarely are inspected for proper mechanical performance and structural integrity. On the other hand, their operators are occasionally guilty of rigging the wiring or controls intended to prevent potentially explosive operational problems. And as a complicating factor, each state or province has its own inspection rules, and most apply only to commercial operations of a certain size or to water heaters or steam heat systems in dwellings that hold four or more housing units.
Here are some incidents where the air compressor tanks exploded, causing property damage and even death.
December 2013, Canada
A 44-year-old man suffers extensive damage to his lower leg, forcing doctors to amputate the leg at the knee in hospital. He later died. The man and two friends were working to restore an antique car when the compressor explosion happened.
Air Tank Explosion, Malvern, PA
An air compressor tank exploded while it was being used at a home shop. The tank was not built to ASME code and not registered with the National Board. The drain valve on the tank was removed, probably because it was leaking, and replaced with a plug. The accumulation of water in the vessel caused severe corrosion and thinning of the metal on the bottom of the tank. Ultrasonic thickness testing revealed a thickness of .070 inches. At this thickness the tank should never have been allowed to be pressurized. The safety valve was set at 140 psi and the pressure controls were assumed to be working properly. When the pressure in the tank reached about 100 psi, the tank ruptured and flew across the garage. Luckily, nobody was injured.
Make sure you drain your air tanks on a regular basis!
Air Tank Explosion, White Plains, NY
This air tank compressor exploded in April 2009 at a homeowner's garage in White Plains, NY. No one was injured when the tank failed. The condensation that forms in the tank must be drained regularly to help prevent the bottom of the tank from corroding. Since this compressor was in someone's home garage, it was not required to be inspected
Air Compressor Tank Explosion, Newark, NJ
This air tank compressor failed due to improper maintenance. The condensation that forms in the tank must be drained regularly to help prevent the bottom of the tank from corroding.
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